Southeastern computer science student earns prestigious leadership spot with GE Capital
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
by: Rene Abadie
STUDENT LANDS GE LEADERSHIP SPOT – Southeastern Louisiana University senior computer science student Chase Dupre, left, talks with Sebastian van Delden, head of the Department of Computer Science and Industrial Technology in the university's server facility. Dupre recently learned of his selection to participate in a two-year leadership program with GE Capital.
HAMMOND - A Southeastern Louisiana University graduating computer science student has earned one of only five spots open in GE Capital's prestigious Information Technology Leadership Program.
Chase Dupré of Hammond competed against a large number of other candidates nationwide who were considered for the positions to start in January with GE Capital, one of the world's leading financial services institutions.
What started as an introduction to a GE Capital recruiter at Southeastern's annual career fair for graduating seniors led Dupré into a screening process that involved only 14 students, several with master's degrees from well-established university computer science related programs.
"It was extremely competitive. After initial interviews in New Orleans, GE Capital flew me to Connecticut, where several candidates were further interviewed," said Dupré, who at 35 is an admitted non-traditional student.
GE's ITLP is a two-year leadership program. Participants will undergo initial training in Michigan for four weeks, then will be assigned to four different rotations at different locations throughout the United States and advanced training at a foreign site – over the two-year period. After completing the program, most of the participants are expected to join the company, which Dupré said has a strong history of promoting from within.
"ITLP is the premier entry-level leadership program for business technology professionals," said Bill O'Neill, ITLP program leader at GE Capital. "We interview hundreds of students at more than 40 campuses across the U.S., looking for a very small number of candidates. We are excited to welcome Chase to ITLP. He matched our need for passionate technologists interested in solving business problems in a collaborative culture.
"Chase will receive hundreds of hours of technical, process and leadership training, be exposed to multiple Capital businesses and develop skills in a variety of technologies," O'Neill added. "We spoke to many talented Southeastern students and hope that Chase is the first of many to join the program."
The GE program is considered the cream of the crop for entry level leadership programs in computer science, said Sebastian van Delden, head of the Southeastern Department of Computer Science and Industrial Technology.
"GE Capital is considered an upper echelon company with very high employment standards," van Delden said. "It is a huge testament to the quality of education Southeastern is providing in this highly competitive field, and we're tremendously proud of the accomplishments of our students like Chase."
Dupré credited his success with the input and hands on approach he received from Southeastern faculty.
"Dr. Daniel McCarthy (dean, College of Science and Technology) engages the students and ensures we get the support we need," he said. "Dr. van Delden makes himself readily available for advice, teaches a number of classes, and is very approachable. The department has great teachers who pay attention to details and make sure students learn and take away what they need to be successful. I consider this appointment a shared source of pride with Southeastern."
Michael Hecht, president and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc., said the organization adds its congratulations to Chase and hopes he has continued success.
"GE's decision to offer a local graduate a spot in its prestigious Information Technology Leadership Program is proof positive that Louisiana's higher education institutions are producing high quality graduates who can compete on a national stage."
